3... The End: Inevitable but unexpected... Why the end of your screenplay MUST deliver

A truly satisfying ending is the difference between a good story and a great story, but endings are both challenging and controversial – especially in TV, in which we invest so much of our lives these days. As writers we’re often squeamish about them – firstly because we feel that defining them too soon may undermine our creative process, secondly because talking about them at all risks breaking one of the strictest of all taboos: the spoiler, and thirdly because we writers have an unconscious understanding that beginnings belong to us, but endings belong to the audience (though true up to a point, this still needs to be unpicked).

But what makes great endings great? Do you need to know the ending before you start writing? Why does changing an ending work in some cases, but not others? How do you create a “great” ending? And why are “bad” endings so infuriating? Using ideas from analytical psychology, myth and anthropology – and with examples from feature films, single episodes, season stories and multi-season arcs – this session will disentangle the under-examined topic of endings. There will also be tips, techniques and exercises.

‘Owning the room’ is one of the most important elements of the business of screenwriting and Joey Tuccio, the CEO of Roadmap Writers, is here to teach this invaluable class focused on tips and techniques to help you immediately stand out.

How can we create nuanced, engaging and believable characterisation through dialogue? Drawing on the latest psychological research, screenplay excerpts and film clips, Kira-Anne Pelican will show us how to create greater dimension in our characters.

Jaw Dropper! Art and science of twists and surprises’ will look behind the magic of twists and surprises, mapping out the most effective strategies to provide powerful moments of jaw dropping disbelief packed with emotional meaning.

Time to stop looking at Gatekeepers as barriers to be outmanoeuvred, but rather as allies to assist, advise and help guide you on your journey into the inner sanctum. The door is ajar, the call will be taken, the meeting is practically in the diary!

In this interactive workshop you will discover that you can draw from three distinct and deep wells within yourself when you write your screenplay. During the class you will learn just how to draw from these ancient and inner wells to strengthen your stories.

This session will take an in-depth look at what a Script Editor’s day-to-day looks like as they shepherd a project to the finish line. How do they juggle their many different responsibilities? And how can you get the best working relationship with your script editor?

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The London Screenwriters' Festival sets out to secure agreements from each speaker and workshop leader prior
to announcing their involvement and commitment to appear. However, one or more speakers may be unable to
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retains the right to change the content of any session at any time.